In a recent poll by Counselling Directory, 42% of people admitted that they hate answering their phone.

We use our phones every day. In fact, according toOfcom, two-thirds of people now own a smartphone, using it for nearly two hours every day to browse the internet, access social media and shop online. Do you notice one thing missing from that list, though?

That’s right. We’re using our phones for pretty muchevery task under the sun, other than to actuallyphone people. It is arguable that these days, the purchase of a phone is made less out of its ability to help you call people, but more likely as a result of the other social functions it offers.

Panic attacks will affect everyone differently. Some people may be aware that a panic attack is about to happen, or know what may trigger them. Others may feel as though their attacks come without warning. A panic attack can last anywhere between five and 20 minutes. They often come on very quickly and can be very frightening – for both the person experiencing it and those around them. For children, understanding what panic attacks are can be difficult, making them even more scary to experience.

Anxiety is the word we use to describe feelings of fear, unease and worry.

While we’ll all experience these feelings from time to time, some of us will be more affected.

It is common to feel stressed or tense about certain everyday situations, such as public speaking, sitting an exam, starting a new job or moving home. But, for some people, these feelings will be much more intense. They can last a very long time and can be very overwhelming.

Anxiety is more than just stress. While stress can come and go, anxiety can affect a person even if there is no obvious cause. Anxiety can affect daily life greatly and, in some cases, can prevent a person from leaving the house at all. This is due to the ‘flight or fight’ response activating at inappropriate moments. For those with anxiety, this response can activate during normal, non-threatening situations.

Rubyetc is a 22 year old illustrator, who focuses on everyday life, in particular her experience of mental health. She draws anything from awkward public situations and self-portraits, to more serious topics, such as depression, body image and anxiety.

But Ruby puts a spin on what is often considered a private, unspoken topic. Mental health is very important and while it is becoming more talked about, ruby’s illustrations are relatable and add a comic value to the otherwise negative scenarios.

We caught up with Ruby to hear more about her work.

At what point did you start illustrating your thoughts and experiences with mental health and why?

I began drawing about my experiences when I was 18 or so. I didn’t have a particular intention at the time, other than wanting to make things that would make me laugh. I found that drawing through difficult times was...

There are times when all of us will experience overwhelming moments. Moments where you feel ‘not quite right’ or unlike yourself, but you can’t understand why.

It is these moments where you may need to take a little extra time to yourself. You may need to take some time to recognise how you are feeling and what may have caused you to feel this way. But how can you do this?

We list some of the steps we take when we aren’t feeling ourselves.

When you’re not quite sure of how you feel, write down all of your emotions.

Get yourself a journal or notebook and write everything that is going through your mind. Whether it is full sentences, bullet points or a word cloud, be sure to write down absolutely everything. If you don’t want to write, start drawing. Perhaps you would like to draw an image surrounding you – start with a person and surround them with all of the things or words that are overwhelming you. Remember that we are all different, so do...

With the excitement of the Olympics and the success of Team GB, we explore how the benefits of physical activity and how even the simple act of walking can enhance well-being.

When watching the Olympics, many of us will feel a burst of inspiration, feeling motivated to get up and get moving.

But it’s not always so easy. Sometimes there are things on the mind that hinder our abilities. While not all of us are professional athletes, physical activity has many benefits, from improving our health and fitness levels, to easing stress and anxiety.

When you are going through a tough time, or living with a mental health condition, it can help to get outside and stretch your legs, though this can be difficult. If you are ready to talk, it can help to ask a friend, loved one or even a professional, to go for a walk with you. Here you are free to unwind, talk about whatever you like and get that vital time outside.

While anxious feelings are a normal reaction to many of life’s experiences, they can be frightening, for both the individual and their loved ones.

When a person is feeling anxious, their thoughts tend to focus on the negative possibilities. They may be worrying about being judged by others, or they may feel as though their problem is not ‘worth mentioning’.

Being there for a friend is very important in helping them manage these feelings. As hard as it can be to know what to do, simply letting them know you are there is a massive help.

While you may be worried about your friend, we understand that it can be difficult to know how to approach the situation. Before jumping into the conversation, check your mindset. They may be waiting for you to ask, but they may also be feeling vulnerable and defensive. Do your research first and try to...

Ever since its release, Pokémon Go has encouraged the masses to go outside, get plenty of exercise and interact with others.

The app has taken over our social media feeds, many family walks and social gatherings, but is this a good thing? Many think it is.

If you are not familiar with Pokémon Go, it’s an app that you can download for free from Google Play or Apple’s App Store. It enables the user to search for Pokémon in the real world by using their smartphone’s Internet and GPS signal. So this means to get the best Pokémon such as a Dragonite, Charizard or even a Pikachu, you will need to venture outside.

We spoke to Hannah, 27, about her experiences with the phenomenon:

“If it wasn’t for this game, I probably wouldn’t have left the house today.

I wouldn’t have walked 5.5km, found a massive park half an hour from my house, made friends with a dog at the park, I probably wouldn’t have even gone out for a morning coffee.